MLB Rumors

Playing in his first MLB game since May 29, Mariners first baseman Justin Smoak homered in his return to the lineup Tuesday against the Angels. Smoak, who was activated off the 15-day disabled list prior to Tuesday's game, was part of a back-to-back home-run tandem with Raul Ibanez leading off the second inning.

It was Smoak's fourth home run and third in his last nine games. All of Smoak's home runs this season have been solo home runs and Tuesday's homer was his first before the ninth inning. Dating back to April 29, Smoak has a .279 average and .485 slugging percentage in his last 21 games.

Athletics catcher John Jaso homered for just the second time and first time since April 9 during Tuesday's 6-2 win against the Rangers. Jaso continued his strong run in June, hitting safely for the ninth time in 10 games.

Jaso is batting .389 (14 for 36) with one home run, two doubles, six RBI, seven runs and seven walks in June. His batting average has improved from .252 to .281 during his June run.

Athletics first baseman Brandon Moss stayed hot at the plate Tuesday against the Rangers by homering for the fourth time in six games. He also extended his hitting streak to six games.

Moss is batting .357 (10 for 28) with one triple, six runs, seven RBI and 10 strikeouts in his last six games. Prior to his hot streak, Moss hit .132 (7 for 53) over a 24-game stretch from May 14-June 11.

Injured Giants pitcher Ryan Vogelsong had five pins removed from his hand Tuesday as part of his recovery from a fractured pinky, MLB.com reports.

Vogelsong is farther along in his recovery than he expected at this point, and the surgery means he can begin mobility and flexibility exercises with the hand. He is still likely out until the All-Star break or later.

Rangers outfielder Leonys Martin recorded a stolen base Tuesday against the A's for the second straight game and third time in four games. After recording zero stolen bases in his first 32 games, Martin has swiped 11 bags in his last 28 games.

"I love the base running part of the game," Martin said, per ESPN.

Martin has hit safely in four straight games and is batting .364 (8 for 22) in his last seven games. He has one home run, two RBI, two walks, three stolen bases, three doubles and five runs in that span.

Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus sat out for the second time in seven games Tuesday against the Athletics, but it gave him time to assess his offensive struggles. Since a five-hit performance May 18 against the Tigers, Andrus is batting .171 (18 for 105) in his last 26 games, dropping his average to .241.

"I just need to stay back on the ball," Andrus said, per ESPN, "And use my hands."

Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford is expected to miss Wednesday's game against San Diego due to a sprained index and middle finger on his right hand, CSN San Francisco reports.

Crawford was unabled to grip a ball following the injury. The shortstop may be able to return Thursday in the series opener against Miami. Consider him day to day for now.

Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton had a frustrating game at the plate Tuesday against the Mariners. Hamilton, who is batting .213, grounded into three double plays and struck out twice.

"It's been tough,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said, per the Los Angeles Times. "I don't think anyone feels this more than Josh, and I don't think there's anyone more confident in his ability than Josh. He's been working very hard in drills, hopefully making strides and getting there. He takes his lack of production very hard, very seriously."

Hamilton is batting .200 (11 for 55) with two home runs, six doubles, six RBI, 11 runs and 12 strikeouts in his last 12 games.

Astros starting pitcher Jordan Lyles improved to 3-0 with a 1.61 ERA in his last seven starts following Tuesday's 10-1 rout of the Brewers. Lyles hasn't allowed more than two runs in seven straight starts, lowering his ERA from 8.36 to 3.22.

"I'm the same guy," Lyles said, per MLB.com, "just different results. I don't know what to say about me. Just making quality pitches."

Lyles has gone seven innings in three straight starts and four times in his last five appearances.

"I tell you, he's had some impressive outings," Astros manager Bo Porter said. "I was actually even more impressed with him being able to go seven innings, and it didn't look from the dugout like he had his best stuff. That was a great example of the maturity taking place with Jordan Lyles. He grinded his way through seven innings, which is good to see."

Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander dropped to 4-3 with a 5.91 ERA in his last eight starts after Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Orioles, in which he allowed five runs in five innings. Like the rest of the baseball world, Verlander is well aware he's not pitching up to standards.

"It’s been a battle so far," Verlander said, per MLB.com. "Obviously, you have that stretch of three or four starts where it was pretty frustrating. You know, I guess I’m always trying to get better, and I feel like I’ve made adjustments to get to that point.

"I feel like I’ve been getting better, better, and better. That’s not necessarily going to work towards a perfect game, but you’re not going to get better every time. There’s ups and downs, peaks and valleys, (Tuesday) was just one of those nights where two long balls hurt me. You know who knows what happens if I’m able to execute those pitches a little bit better. I’m not saying that I regressed, it’s just one of those games. This is Major League Baseball, you’re not going to be perfect every time."